Proposal to extend maternity leave to 26 weeks submitted
Posted on: 02/Jul/2016 10:56:28 AM
The Labour Ministry has said that it is ready to bring an amendment to Maternity Benefit Act to revise the duration of maternity leave from 12 weeks at present to 26 weeks. Women and Child Development, pr WCD, Minister Maneka Gandhi had recently discussed the issue with Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya.
The WCD ministry had brought forward the proposal that was offered last September for extending the maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks which, if implemented, will benefit all working women including those in private sector. Currently, the matter is with the Group of Ministers, or the GoM, after being forwarded by the Cabinet for further consultation.
Mr. Dattatreya and Ms. Gandhi are currently meeting the World Bank along with other ministries. A senior WCD official said, Labour Minister said he is all ready to bring it to the Parliament session in the form of an amendment.
Once the Cabinet approves the proposal, the Labour Ministry will move a proposal in Parliament for an amendment to Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. The final call will be taken by the GoM.
The WCD ministry had brought forward the proposal that was offered last September for extending the maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks which, if implemented, will benefit all working women including those in private sector. Currently, the matter is with the Group of Ministers, or the GoM, after being forwarded by the Cabinet for further consultation.
Mr. Dattatreya and Ms. Gandhi are currently meeting the World Bank along with other ministries. A senior WCD official said, Labour Minister said he is all ready to bring it to the Parliament session in the form of an amendment.
Once the Cabinet approves the proposal, the Labour Ministry will move a proposal in Parliament for an amendment to Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. The final call will be taken by the GoM.
